A couple of last minute issues to consider from someone who did this in April / May this year:
1. Did you notify your bank(s) that you will be in Spain for two months, and that your credit or debit/cash card will be with you? You need to do that, or you will find your cards blocked...bummer!
2. The best way to get cash when there is from bank ATMs - not cafe ATMs! You will find yourself topping up every four or five days. You will figure it out. But, ATM / cash point machines are generally available.
3. Do your plastic cards use a 4-number PIN? That is they only sort recognized there. You do not want your cards eaten my the machines.
4. Do NOT forget a lightweight, poly fleece or microfiber watch cap type hat and liner gloves. They insulate even when wet, dry fast and you WILL need them for cold, blustry days. The "Buff" is very popular but expensive to buy in Spain. It is a simple microfiber fabric tube in assorted colors and designs about 50 cm long and 20 cm wide. It can be worn as a cap, hairband, scarf, neck warmer, and other styles. A good outdoors store in NZ should carry them. But a simple stretchy cap and gloves from a runner's store would work - that is what I used. Most people think about the fleece for the torso, or rain gear in general. But many people neglect to protect heir hands and head.
5. First Aid kits - everyone is different. But in my experience, the things you will use the most are:
- zinc oxide based antibiotic ointment (like used for baby nappy rash) - the zinc oxide helps it withstand friction and moisture better on your feet;
- gauze pads - about 10 x 15 cm (ish) - for blister protection and wound treatment.
- light panty liners - yes I am a guy - but these are the best heel and ball of foot pads to place over a blister or healing callus - they pack small and weigh like nothing - so bring six or so;
- medical adhesive tape (3 - 6 cm wide) that can hold the gauze pads on, strap your feet for support, or even mend torn fabric or broken stuff in general;
- petroleum jelly - to lubricate feet each day before putting the inner liner sock on - most folks swear by this - a little goes a LONG way;
- Halls' Mentholyptus or Fisherman's Friend lozenges for the inevitable chest congestion and bronchial "ick" that you might encounter - You can find Hall's in supermarkets but no one seemed to sell Fisherman's Friend (I prefer them);
- Acetominophen / Paramecetol tablets - or the pain reliever of your choice. if you KNOW you are going to have aches and pains while you walk (I did my first Camino at age 59) take two with what passes for breakfast - before you start walking for the day - it does make a difference,
- Immodium or what you use for diarreha - I drank tap water and fuente (fountain) water for my entire Camino and did not have any problems.
- pre-threaded needles with white thread to lance and drain blisters - these are single use items
- a small cigarette lighter (buy it in Spain) to sterlize anything that will puncture your skin. I had to do "field-expedient" surgery on a colleague's infected boil (insect bite) - we lanced it using a flame sterilized Swiss Army Knife - it was ugly to look at but the patient was fine the next day.
Bottom line - do not pack a bunch of stuff you likely will not need. Weight is your enemy! Pharmacies are in almost every village and Spanish pharmacists can dispense drugs like antibiotics that require prescriptions here in the States.
Buen Camino
